Gérard Depardieu’s trial for sexual assault opens this Monday: what you need to know

Gérard Depardieu’s trial for sexual assault opens this Monday: what you need to know
Gérard Depardieu’s trial for sexual assault opens this Monday: what you need to know

For Gérard Depardieu, this is a first trial and undoubtedly not the last. This Monday at 1:30 p.m., he is summoned before the Criminal Court to answer charges of sexual violence committed against two women during the filming of the film “Green Shutters” in 2021.

This legal episode is the culmination of two complaints filed in 2024. The first dates from February 24. That day, a set designer for the film accused the actor of sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexist insults. The actor would have, she said, “ kneaded the waist, the stomach, going up to her breasts“, the attack was allegedly interrupted by Depardieu’s bodyguards. The film crew took the facts seriously and forced the actor to apologize, which he allegedly did with these words: “ I apologize since I must apologize…“, but subsequently, he allegedly insulted the decorator throughout the filming by calling her “ slut“, she said. According to Mediapart, another woman, aged 33 and third assistant director on this shoot, claims that Gérard Depardieu touched her twice “ chest and buttocks« .

Already indicted

On March 5, 2024, the Paris prosecutor’s office took up these facts. On April 29, the actor was placed in police custody for a few hours before being sent to the criminal court.

At this time, Depardieu has already been indicted since December 16, 2020 in another, a rape case against the actress Charlotte Arnould, then aged 28.

The young woman accuses him of two rapes committed at the actor’s home, located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris.

Never, ever, have I abused a woman

In a letter published in Le Figaro in October 2023, the actor disputed the accusations. “Never, I have never abused a woman“, he said, referring to Charlotte Arnould’s accusations.

According to him, “ a woman came to my house for the first time, walking lightly, going up to my room of her own free will. She says today that she was raped there« . « There has never been any constraint, violence or protest between us.“, he assured.

Two other complaints were dismissed because they were time-barred. In total, 21 women denounced the inappropriate comments and inappropriate behavior that the actor seems to be accustomed to.

We don’t know if this sacred monster of French cinema will appear before his judge today.

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